Friends of the Earth
Action Briefing Feb 2000/Mar 2000
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Birmingham Friends of the Earth Action Briefing Feb 2000/Mar 2000 |
Did you know that between now and the end of March thousands of people are expected to die as a consequence of living in cold homes!? Around 8 million UK households simply can't afford to keep warm because their housing has little or no insulation or central heating. Hundreds of thousands of people fall ill each year costing the NHS an estimated £1 billion each year.
That's why we from Birmingham Friends of the Earth are calling on politicians to stop this national scandal by backing a new law - the Warm Homes Bill - to insulate millions of homes nation wide over the next 15 years. If action isn't taken, FOE estimates that there could be as many as 130,000 excess winter deaths by the next general election.
The Warm Homes Bill, drawn up by FOE, sets out a nation wide 15 year energy efficiency programme to insulate the homes of the fuel poor and provide essential central heating. Following last week's Private Members' Ballot, MPs are being approached to introduce it into Parliament.
Otherwise FOE's analysis of Government figures for the UK makes gruesome reading:
| Region | Excess Winter Deaths |
|---|---|
| East Anglia | 12,067 |
| Midlands | 23,338 |
| North East | 18,791 |
| North West | 17,552 |
| South East | 19,327 |
| South West | 13,045 |
| London | 14,340 |
| Wales | 8,312 |
We must stop this scandal from continuing. The Warm Homes Bill is so important, because it will help people to insulate their homes and allow them to keep warm and cut their fuel bills at the same time. Also it's good for the planet, because we will save energy and stop dangerous climate changing gases being released into the atmosphere.
That's why on Sunday 5th of December we had a 'Warm Homes day of action' in support of the bill. We recreated our very own living room with carpet, armchairs, TV and biscuits (to keep us going) in the middle of New Street amongst all those Christmas shoppers. And we certainly got the temperature right. It was a very cold December day. It's horrible to imagine that some houses are as cold as this and might as well be in the open air due to lack of insulation. But we braved the weather and so did all of the people who showed their support. Many cards were signed in support of the Bill which we have sent off to local MPs.
As a new member of Birmingham FOE it was one of my first actions. Despite the cold weather many people I spoke to were keen to help and we all enjoyed it, especially sitting in the warmth of the pub afterwards. So, if you are thinking of joining in any action, come down to the Warehouse in Allison Street to see what action is next!